Orihuela Costa´s Tourist Information Office was shut on Thursday, ahead of the first weekend of the official summer season, with a sign on the door explaining that it was due to lack of staff.

Councillor for tourism, Sofía Álvarez, explained her decision, saying that she had complained to the mayor, and the Human Resources office that she would take action if they failed to fill the vacancy caused after a member of staff was transferred to a different department.

Álvarez said, “I warned the mayor and the Human Resources councillor that if they did not replace the vacant job in the Tourist Office of the Coast would close the facilities and put up a poster explaining the reasons, and so I have done.”

Both the mayor and Human Resources councillors are members of the PP, whereas Orihuela is currently run by a mixture of political parties, all of whom look set to contest the next elections and those favouring the coast gaining more momentum offering situations like this as further proof, if any were needed, of the neglect that the residents, businesses and visitors to the coast suffer.